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I would definitely look at the hoses. My alternator belt frayed and split down one of the grooves and cut a slash in the hose. Thankfully, I had ordered a cooling system rebuild the week before and planned to change that stuff over the weekend.

put new clutch hose and slave cylinder in my 323. Bleed it the "proper way", thanks to searching here. Take-offs MUCH smoother. Now I have to psych myself up for the clutch master cylinder... doesn't look fun!

New lower radiator hose
New temp sensor
New cooling fan (along with a complete rewire front he fuse panel (dead 12v to the fan)
New water return hose
New radiator drain plug
New ATF (power steering) and hose clamps on reservoir
New expansion tank
New secondary air pump mounting bolts

This all came when I found out my fan was wired with an aftermarket temp sensor and would not turn on with the AC, and would also cause my fan to only fun at high speeds. Also found a leak in the lower radiator hose fixed with a black tar substance, zip tie and tape. The water return hose was eaten away from ATF that was leaking from the reservoir, and my expansion tank had a hole in it.

you jinxed me....i think it did...or cracked the thermostat housing...i have a slight drip coming off of the bottom of the motor
it looks like its coming from the lower rad hose near the thermostat or from the housing it self

I have only owned my E46 for ten months and the only problems I have experienced is a dead windshield washer pump and front brakes. Friday, I went out to head to work and the dashboard lights went crazy and it would not start. After reading the posts regarding the subject, I called Autozone and had them hold their last 94R-DLG. It comes with an eight year warranty, three year free replacement for $145. I brought it home, installed it and it fired up on the first attempt. I won't even guess how much my local stealership wants for the same part but I am confident that it would be at least twice what I paid. Just as a prank, perhaps I will call tomorrow and ask.